JP2006035751A - Image forming device, its control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which can set a paper feeding device and a post processing device ready to operate at timing optimum for execution of a print job, can improve the productivity and the rate of operation of the image forming device, and can realize energy saving. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device is connected to the paper feeding devices 2, 3, 4 for storing sheet materials P, and to the post processing devices 5, 6, 7 such as an inserter, stacker or the like. The paper feed stage ID403 and a paper discharge destination ID404 in the print job received from an external device 306 are analyzed to decide the paper feeding device/paper discharge device 305 to be used for execution of the print job. Then, the sate of the decided paper feeding device/paper discharge device 305 is studied to identify the paper feeding device/paper discharge device 305 the preparatory operation of which has to be started in advance prior to the execution of the print job, thereby allowing the paper feeding device/paper discharge device 305 thus identified to start the preparatory operation to be in time for the start of execution of the print job. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program, and in particular, is connected to a paper feed device such as a paper feed deck or an inserter, or a post-processing device such as a finisher or a sorter, and performs power saving control and job scheduling. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, and a copying machine, a control method thereof, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimiles, and copiers are connected to a plurality of sheet feeding apparatuses such as sheet feeding decks and inserters, and post-processing apparatuses such as finishers and sorters. In such an image forming apparatus, all apparatuses are powered on during job execution, and all apparatuses are in an operable state. In this case, if there is a device that is not used during execution of a certain job, the power consumed by that device is wasted. In view of this, an image forming apparatus that includes a plurality of units and can individually turn off / on individual units and turns on the power of the sorter unit in the sort mode has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-295065

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, it is checked whether or not the power of the apparatus used at the time of executing the job is ON, and the job is started until the preparation operation of the apparatus is completed in order to turn ON the power. There is a problem that can not be.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can enable the sheet feeding device and the post-processing device to be in an operable state at an optimal timing for execution of a print job. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method therefor, and a program capable of improving the rate and realizing energy saving.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 forms an image by executing a print job on at least one sheet feeding means for supplying a sheet material and the supplied sheet material. In the image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit; at least one post-processing unit that performs post-processing including bookbinding on the image-formed sheet material; and a receiving unit that receives the print job. Analyzing the job, determining the paper feeding means and the post-processing means to be used when executing the print job, examining the status of the determined paper feeding means and post-processing means, the print job A determination unit that determines a sheet feeding unit and a post-processing unit that should start a preparatory operation in advance, and the determined sheet feeding unit and post-processing unit. Te, and having a control means for starting the preparatory operation in time for the start of execution of the print job.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a control method of an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, an image is obtained by executing a print job on at least one sheet feeding unit that supplies a sheet material and the supplied sheet material. Image forming means, at least one post-processing means for performing post-processing including bookbinding on the image-formed sheet material, and a receiving means for receiving the print job A determination step of analyzing the received print job and determining the paper feeding means and the post-processing means to be used when executing the print job; and states of the determined paper feeding means and the post-processing means A discriminating step for discriminating a paper feeding unit and a post-processing unit to start a preparatory operation in advance before execution of the print job, and the discriminated paper feeding unit Respect and postprocessing means, and having a control step of starting the preparatory operation in time for the start of execution of the print job.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to claim 15 includes: at least one sheet feeding unit that supplies a sheet material; and image formation that forms an image by executing a print job on the supplied sheet material. A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising: a means; at least one post-processing means for performing post-processing including bookbinding on the image-formed sheet material; and a receiving means for receiving the print job. In the program, the received print job is analyzed, a determination module for determining the paper feeding means and the post-processing means used when executing the print job, and the determined paper feeding means and post-processing means Check the status and determine the paper feeding means and post-processing means that should start the preparatory operation in advance before executing the print job. A module for the discriminated sheet feeding means and post-processing means, and having a control module for starting the preparatory operation in time for the start of execution of the print job.

  According to the present invention, from the received print job, the paper feeding unit and the post-processing unit used when executing the print job are analyzed, and the states of the paper feeding unit and the post-processing unit are checked based on the analyzed result. When the print job is executed, the paper feeding means and the post-processing device that should start the preparation operation are determined, and the prepared operation is started for the determined paper feeding device and the post-processing device in time for the print job execution start. Therefore, the sheet feeding device and the post-processing device can be put into an operable state at an optimal timing for executing the print job, and the productivity and operating rate of the image forming apparatus can be improved and energy saving can be realized. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus main body, and reference numerals 2, 3, and 4 denote sheet feeding apparatuses that store the sheet material P and supply the sheet material P to the image forming apparatus main body 1. The paper feeders 2, 3 and 4 all have the same configuration. Reference numerals 5, 6, and 7 denote post-processing apparatuses that perform post-processing such as bookbinding and stapling of the image-formed sheet material P. Reference numeral 5 denotes an inserter, 6 denotes a stacker, and 7 denotes a finisher.

  The image forming apparatus main body 1 includes a photosensitive drum 29. Around the photosensitive drum 29, a primary charger 22 that uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 29, an exposure device 20 that irradiates the photosensitive drum 29 with image data converted into an optical signal, and the photosensitive drum 29 by the exposure device 20. A developing device 21 that converts the latent image formed thereon into a visible image with toner, a transfer charger 24 that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 29 to the sheet material P, and the sheet material P as the photosensitive drum 29. A separation charger 25 for separating the toner from the photosensitive drum 29 and a cleaner 23 for collecting toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 29 without being transferred are disposed.

  The sheet feeding devices 2, 3, and 4 are respectively storage units 12, 11, and 10 that store sheet materials P, and sheet feeding rollers that feed the sheet materials P stored in the storage units 12, 11, and 10 one by one. 9, 8, 19, lifters 15, 14, 13 for adjusting the paper surface height of the sheet material P to an appropriate position where the paper feed rollers 9, 8, 19 can feed, and conveyance for conveying the sheet material P It is composed of rollers 18, 17, and 16.

Each of the paper feeding devices 2, 3, and 4 includes a heater (not shown) and a blower (not shown) that feeds air warmed by the heater into the storages 12, 11, and 10, respectively. , Adjust the humidity in 10. The humidity adjustment control varies depending on the material type of the sheet material P. For example, without performing humidity adjustment control in about ^two plain paper basis weight of ^64g / ^m 2 ^~105g / m, control lines, such as basis weight performing humidity control for cardboard exceeding 105 g / ^{m 2} Is called.

  When the heater does not reach the target temperature, the sheet material P cannot be started to be conveyed from the sheet feeding devices 2, 3, 4, and therefore the material of the sheet material P stacked on the sheet feeding devices 2, 3, 4 Depending on the parameters such as the type, the time from when the power is turned ON or the preparatory operation start instruction until the transfer operation can be started varies.

  The sheet material P fed from the sheet feeding devices 2, 3, 4 to the image forming apparatus main body 1 is detected by the sheet material detection sensor 27, hits the registration roller 26, and after the skew is corrected, the sheet material P is transferred to the transfer charger 24. The toner image is transferred by being conveyed. Thereafter, the toner is conveyed in the direction of the fixing roller 31 by the conveying belt 28.

  The fixing roller 31 includes a pair of rollers. A halogen heater 32 is built in the upper roller of the paired fixing roller 31. A thermistor 30 is disposed near the upper roller of the fixing roller 31 to detect the temperature of the fixing roller 31. The fixing roller 31 is maintained at a temperature of about 180 ° C. by the halogen heater 32. The sheet material P that has passed through the fixing roller 31 is conveyed to the inserter 5.

  The inserter 5 includes a storage 35 that stores the sheet material P, a paper feed roller 34 that feeds and conveys the sheet material P stored in the storage 35, and the paper feed roller 34 can feed the sheet material P. Consists of a lifter 36 that raises the sheet surface height of the sheet material P to an appropriate position, and a conveyance roller 33 that conveys the sheet material P, and conveys the sheet material P conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 1 to the downstream side. To do. The inserter 5 feeds the sheet material P stored in the storage 35 and conveys it downstream.

  The stacker 6 includes a storage 38 for storing the sheet material P, a stacking tray 39 for stacking the sheet material P in the storage 38, and a transport roller 37 for transporting the sheet material P, and further a flapper. The conveyance path is switched by 40. In the stacker 6, there are a case where the sheet material P is stacked on the storage 38 and a case where the sheet material P is conveyed to a downstream apparatus.

  The finisher 7 includes a paper discharge tray 41 on which the sheet material P is stacked, and stacks the discharged sheet material P on the paper discharge tray 41 via the conveyance path 43. A portion 42 surrounded by a dotted line in the drawing in the finisher 7 is a case binding unit, and case binding the sheet material P conveyed through the conveyance path 44. The case binding is, for example, a method in which a printed bundle of A4 size sheet material P is glued on the back, wrapped with an A3 size cover, cut and output. The output form of the print bundle by the case binding unit will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 13, in the case binding unit, a book 104 with a cover is created by gluing one side of the print bundle 101, which is the main body, with a gluing unit 103, wrapping it with a paper 102 as a cover, and bringing it into close contact with the glue surface. Is done. Since the glue for bonding the cover to the main body is solid at room temperature, it is necessary to heat it with a heater or the like in order to glue it. Further, heating to a temperature necessary for gluing requires several minutes after the heater is operated.

  Next, the electrical connection between the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the paper feeding devices 2, 3, 4, the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the inserter 5, the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the stacker 6, or the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the finisher 7. The control mode will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the inserter 5 will be described as an example, but the same applies to other apparatuses.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical connection between the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the inserter 5 of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus main body 1 includes a power source 51, a control circuit 53, a drive circuit 55, and a communication I / F 57. Similarly, the inserter 5 includes a power supply 52, a control circuit 54, a drive circuit 56, and a communication I / F 58.

  Power is supplied to the power supplies 51 and 52 from an external commercial power supply. The drive circuits 55 and 56 are supplied with electric power for driving drive sources such as motors, solenoids, and clutches from the power supplies 51 and 52 through the power supply lines 63 and 65, respectively. The control circuits 53 and 54 are supplied with electric power for operating the control circuits 53 and 54 through the power supply lines 62 and 64, respectively.

  The control circuits 53 and 54 communicate with external devices and other devices via communication I / Fs 57 and 58, respectively. The control circuit 53 and the power source 51 are connected by a control line 59, and power supply to the drive circuit 55 can be stopped by the control line 59. The control circuit 54 is connected to the power source 52 through the control line 60, and can stop the power supply to the drive circuit 56 through the control line 60.

  In such a configuration, the image forming apparatus main body 1 can transmit an instruction to turn on or off the power to the inserter 5 via the communication I / F 57. The inserter 5 analyzes the data (instruction) received via the communication I / F 58 by the control circuit 54. If it is a power-off command, power supply from the power source 52 to the drive circuit 56 is stopped by the control line 60, and if it is a power-on command, power supply from the power source 52 to the drive circuit 56 is started by the control line 60.

  Next, an electrical configuration of a control circuit necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control circuit necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 306 denotes an external device such as a personal computer (PC) or a scanner that transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus. A print job is composed of image data (image information) and print data (control information). The print data is printed such as from which supply device the sheet material P for printing the image of the image data is supplied, to which discharge device the sheet material P on which the image is printed is discharged, or the end of the job. It is composed of information necessary for

  A print job transmitted from the external apparatus 306 to the image forming apparatus is received by the external I / F 307. A print job received by the external I / F 307 is sent to the memory controller 309. The memory controller 309 extracts image data from the print job and sends it to the compression / decompression unit 310. Since the image data is compressed, the compression / decompression unit 310 converts the sent image data into internal data. The image data converted into internal data is stored in the hard disk 311 which is a storage device. The hard disk 311 can be constituted by other storage means having a large capacity instead of the hard disk.

  On the other hand, the memory controller 309 extracts print data from the print job and sends it to the job control unit 301. Upon receiving the print data, the job control unit 301 transmits an operation start command to the print control unit 302 to start the printing operation. The print control unit 302 receives the operation start command, transmits the operation start command to the printer unit 303, and sends an operation start command to the paper feeding device / paper discharge device 305 used according to the print job. Send via F304. The paper feeding device / paper ejection device 305 includes the above-described paper feeding devices 2, 3, 4, an inserter 5, a stacker 6, and a finisher 7 that are post-processing devices. The printer unit 303 is the image forming apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG.

  The job control unit 301 requests the memory controller 309 to acquire image data page by page when the printer unit 303 and the paper feeding device / paper delivery device 305 are ready to start operation. The memory controller 309 reads out the image data converted into internal data from the hard disk 311, decompresses the read image data into bitmap data that can be printed by the printer unit 303 by the compression / decompression unit 310, and stores it in the page memory 308. Store.

  Next, the job control unit 301 transmits the bitmap data sent from the memory controller 309 to the printer unit 303 via the print control unit 302. In addition to instructing the printer unit 303 to perform image formation, the print control unit 302 instructs the sheet feeding device / sheet ejection device 305 to start conveying the sheet material P via the ACC I / F 304. At the same time, information on the sheet material P is transmitted to the post-processing apparatus side in accordance with the conveyance path of the sheet material P.

  Further, when the execution of the print job is completed, the job control unit 301 instructs the print control unit 302 to end the operation. The print control unit 302 instructs the paper feeding device / paper discharge device 305 to end the operation via the ACC I / F 304 and also instructs the printer unit 303 to end the operation.

  Here, when the print control unit 302 receives the next print job from the external device 306 during execution of the print job, the image data in the received print job is stored in the hard disk 311 via the memory controller 309, and The print data in the print job is stored in the job control unit 301. When the print job being executed is completed, the next print job is sequentially executed.

  Next, the data structure of a print job will be described with reference to FIG. In the print job, data is divided for each page to be printed, and is composed of data having the same structure as the number of pages to be printed.

  FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic diagrams showing the data structure of a print job.

  4A to 4C illustrate page data for three pages of a print job. FIG. 4A shows page data 400, FIG. 4B shows page data 408, and FIG. Let 4 (c) be page data 409. Since the structure of the page data is the same, the structure will be described with reference to the page data 400.

  In FIG. 4A, a job name 401 such as a file name to be transmitted and a user name is stored at the top of the page data. Therefore, the same job name is stored in each page data of the same job.

  Next to the job name 401, a page ID 402 (for example, page 1, page 2, etc.) is stored. The page ID 402 is assigned a non-overlapping number that can be distinguished from other pages.

  Next to the page ID 402, a paper feed stage ID 403 indicating from which paper feeder the sheet material P is fed is stored. Next to the paper feed stage ID 403, a paper discharge destination ID 404 indicating which post-processing device (paper discharge device) the sheet material P is stacked and which post-processing device finally arrives is stored. Next to the paper discharge destination ID 404 is stored a job last paper flag 405 indicating that it is the last image of the print job, and then, a job leading paper flag 406 indicating that it is the first image of the print job. Stored. Image data 407 is stored after the job head sheet flag 406.

  The job control unit 301 starts a preparatory operation for the paper feeding device / paper discharge device 305 via the print control unit 302 and the ACC I / F 304 in accordance with the paper feed stage ID 403 and paper discharge destination ID 404 of each page data described above. Give instructions. An example of the start instruction for the preparation operation is the power ON command described with reference to FIG. In addition, the job control unit 301 also instructs the paper supply device / paper discharge device 305 to stop the operation. As an example of the operation stop instruction, there are a transition instruction to a low power mode, a power OFF instruction, and the like.

  Next, job control processing by the job control unit 301 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing job control processing by the job control unit 301.

  In FIG. 5, the job control unit 301 first determines whether or not a print job has been received (step S501). As a result of the determination, if a print job is received, reception of the print job is started (step S502), and the process returns to step S501. If no print job is received, the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S503, it is determined whether or not all page data constituting the print job has been received, that is, whether or not reception of the print job has been completed. If it is determined that the print job has been received, the process proceeds to step S504. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S511 in FIG.

  In step S504, the paper feed stage ID 403 and the paper discharge destination ID 404 are analyzed from all the page data in the received print job, and the paper feed device and the post-processing device used when executing the job are determined (accessory used). The process proceeds to step S505. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the sheet feeding device and the post-processing device include a plurality of devices arranged in a row, and thus there are devices that only allow the sheet material P to pass through. However, these devices are determined as devices to be used. To do.

  In step S505, the processing time required for executing the print job and the estimated start time of the print job are calculated, and the process proceeds to step S506. The processing time for executing the print job can be calculated from the productivity (processing capability) of the printer unit 303, the number of pages of the print job, and the like. The scheduled start time for starting the print job can be calculated from the processing time of the print job currently spooled in the image forming apparatus and waiting for the start of processing.

  In step S506, the currently received print job is added to the job list in which jobs that are being printed and jobs waiting to start printing are listed, and the job list is updated. Then, the process proceeds to step S507. In step S507, by checking the statuses of the paper feeding device and the post-processing device determined in step S504, if there is a device that should immediately start a preparatory operation such as turning on the power, the process proceeds to step S508, and a predetermined time is reached. If there is a device to start a preparatory operation such as power ON, the process proceeds to step S509, and if the preparation has already been completed, the process proceeds to step S510.

  In step S508, the job control unit 301 sends a preparation operation start command (power ON command) to the print control unit 302 at a time that goes back the time required for the preparation operation from the scheduled start time of the print job calculated in step S505. The process proceeds to step S510.

  In step S509, the job control unit 301 sends a preparation operation start command and preparation operation start time (power ON time setting) to the print control unit 302, and the process advances to step S510.

  In step S510, scheduling is performed to optimize the start order of print jobs spooled in the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the process returns to step S501. Specifically, the optimization of the start order of print jobs means that it takes time to prepare the paper feeding device used by the previous print job, and the image forming apparatus main body 1 waits for the completion of the preparation of the paper feeding device. If the job becomes idle (waiting to start image formation), if the job scheduled to be executed after that job can be started immediately, the order of jobs can be changed. It is. Further, if the job order is changed, the replacement may not be performed if the end of the job that was originally scheduled to be executed is delayed.

  In FIG. 6, in step S511, it is determined whether or not the currently executed print job (previous job) has ended. If the job has ended, the process proceeds to step S512. If not, the process proceeds to step S516. In step S512, the above-described job list is referenced to check whether there is a next spooled print job. If there is a next print job, the process proceeds to step S513. If there is no next print job, the process proceeds to step S501. Return.

  In step S513, the print control unit 302 is instructed to start the next job, and the process proceeds to step S514. In step S514, the completed job is deleted from the job list, the job list in which the status of the started job is changed from waiting to start is updated, and the process proceeds to step S515. In step S515, it is checked whether or not a power-off request, which will be described later, is on hold. If it is on hold, the process proceeds to step S517. If not, the process returns to step S501.

  In step S516 branched from step S511, it is checked whether or not there is a power-off request from the sheet feeding device or the post-processing device. If there is a power-off request, the process proceeds to step S517. Return to S501. The sheet feeding device and the post-processing device transmit a power-off request to the image forming apparatus main body 1 according to its own standby time and the operator's power switch operation.

  In step S517, the use schedule of the apparatus that has transmitted the power OFF request is checked with reference to the job list, and the process proceeds to step S518. In step S518, if the device that transmitted the power OFF request is a device scheduled to be used, the process proceeds to step S520. If the device is not intended to be used, the process proceeds to step S519.

  In step S519, the job control unit 301 transmits a power OFF command to the print control unit 302, and returns to step S501. The print control unit 302 transmits a power-off request permission to the apparatus that has transmitted the power-off request via the ACC I / F 304, and the apparatus that has received the power-off request permission turns off the power (enters a standby state). . In step S520, since a job using the apparatus that has transmitted the power OFF request is spooled, the power OFF request is suspended (stored), and the process returns to step S501.

  Next, details of the print control processing by the print control unit 302 in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing print control processing by the print control unit 302 of FIG.

  In step S801, the print control unit 302 first determines whether a preparation operation start command and / or preparation operation start time (job request) is received from the job control unit 301. If a job request is received, the print control unit 302 determines in step S802. If not, the process proceeds to step S808.

  In step S802, the printer unit 303 and a predetermined paper feeder / discharger 305 are instructed to start a printing operation (start processing), and the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, it is checked whether there is image data to be printed, that is, whether there is a page to be printed. If there is a page to be printed, the process proceeds to step S804, and the printing operation for one page is performed by the printer unit. 303 and a predetermined paper feeder / discharge device 305 are instructed to perform printing (one-page printing), the ACC process of step S805 is performed, and the process returns to step S803.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S803 is that there is no page to be printed, the end processing in step S806 is performed, and the end of the operation is instructed to the printer unit 303 or the sheet feeding device / sheet discharge device 305 (JOB end notification). (Step S807) The process proceeds to step S808, and after performing the ACC process in step S808, the process returns to step S801.

  Next, the ACC process performed in step S805 and step S808 of FIG. 7 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the ACC process performed in steps S805 and S808 of FIG.

  First, in step S810, the print control unit 302 determines whether or not the preparatory operation start command (power-on command) described in steps S508 and S509 in FIG. 5 has been received from the job control unit 301. On the other hand, the process proceeds to S818, and if not received, the process proceeds to step S813.

  In step S818, when the preparation operation start time is set in the preparation operation start command, the process proceeds to step S819, the preparation operation start time (ON time) is stored, and the process proceeds to step S812. On the other hand, when the preparation operation start time is not set, the process proceeds to step S811, where a preparation operation start command is transmitted to a predetermined paper feeding device / paper ejection device 305 (ON operation), and the process proceeds to step S812.

  In step S812, the print control unit 302 has information indicating the status of each of the paper feeding device and the paper discharging device 305 as an information list in FIG. 9 described later, and changes depending on each step in FIG. Update the information.

  In step S813, it is determined whether or not the preparatory operation start time has already been stored and the start time has been reached (ACC ON time or not). If the preparatory operation start time has been reached, the process proceeds to step S818. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S814. In step S814, as described in step S519 of FIG. 5, it is checked whether or not a power-off command is received from the job control unit 301. If received, the process proceeds to step S815, and the device is not scheduled to be used. A power OFF command is transmitted to the terminal (OFF operation), and the process proceeds to step S812. On the other hand, if the power OFF command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S816.

  In step S816, it is determined whether or not a power OFF request is received from the paper feeding device / paper discharging device 305. If YES in step S816, the flow advances to step S817 to send a power OFF request to the job control unit 301. Notify (step S817) and return, while if not received, return as it is.

  Next, an information list such as a sheet feeding device included in the print control unit 302 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an information list such as a paper feeding device included in the print control unit 302.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 850 denotes a device name of the paper feeding device / paper delivery device 305. FIN represents the finisher 7, BOOK represents the case binding unit 42 of the finisher 7, STK represents the stacker 6, INS represents the inserter 5, POD 1 represents the sheet feeder 2, POD 2 represents the sheet feeder 3, and POD 3 represents the sheet feeder 4.

  851 indicates the state of each device, DOWN means power off or power saving state, RUNNING means operating state, and WARMUP means preparing operation. There is also a state in which the preparatory operation has been completed although it is not in operation, in which case STBY is entered.

  Next, 852 is a time required for preparation (warm-up time). For example, in the drawing, the preparation of the finisher 7 (FIN) itself is 0 minute (0 min), but the case binding unit 42 (BOOK) is 10 minutes (10 min). This is because it takes about 10 minutes to dissolve the glue in the case binding.

  The sheet feeding device 2 (POD1), the sheet feeding device 3 (POD2), and the sheet feeding device 4 (POD3) have the same configuration, but in FIG. This is because the preparation contents differ depending on the material of the sheet material P stacked on the sheet feeding device as described above.

  Reference numeral 853 denotes a preparation operation start time (scheduled ON time), and when the preparation operation start time is set, the scheduled time is recorded. Reference numeral 854 denotes the presence or absence of a power-off request. “Yes” is recorded when a power-off request is received from a predetermined paper feeding device / paper ejection device 305, and “none” is recorded when it is not received.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to issue an instruction to start the preparatory operation of the apparatus at an optimal timing.

  Next, a job list for managing jobs received from the external device 306 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a), 10 (b), and 10 (c).

  FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of a job list.

  In FIG. 10A, reference numeral 600 is an example of a job list. 601 is the job name, 602 is the type of the first paper feeding device used in the job, 603 is the type of the second paper feeding device used in the job, and 604 is the post-processing device (discharge) of the paper discharge destination. 605 is a job processing time, and 606 is a scheduled job start time.

  For example, it is assumed that JOB1 is being executed and JOB2 and JOB3 are waiting at a certain time (here, 11:30). The paper feeding device used by JOB1 to JOB3 is POD1 (= paper feeding device 2 in FIG. 1), the post-processing device is STK (= stacker 6 in FIG. 1), and the processing time is 5 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively. 10 minutes. Since JOB1 was started at 11:29, the scheduled start time of JOB2 is 11:34, and the scheduled start time of JOB3 is 11:44.

  Next, the paper feeding device to be used is the paper feeding device 2 and the inserter 5, the post-processing device is the stacker 6, and the JOB 4 which is the new arrival job 607 (FIG. 10B) for 5 minutes is transferred to the external device. Assume that the message is received from 306. At this time, if the sheet feeding device and the post-processing device are in the state described with reference to FIG. 9, it can be seen that the inserter 5 (INS) is in a stopped state and the preparation operation takes 20 minutes.

  On the other hand, it can be seen that the scheduled start time of JOB4 is 11:54 by adding the processing time (10 minutes) of JOB3 to the scheduled start time of JOB3 (11:44). Therefore, the start of the preparatory operation of the inserter 5 is started at 11:34, which is obtained by subtracting 20 minutes from 11:54. As a result, the job list 600 is updated like a job list 608 shown in FIG.

  Next, FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 11C, FIG. 11D, FIG. 11E, and FIG. Will be described.

  FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F are diagrams for explaining an example of scheduling executed in step S510 of FIG.

  In FIG. 11A, first, 700 is a job list at a certain time (here, 11:30). The paper feeding device used by JOB1 and JOB2 is POD1 (= paper feeding device 2 in FIG. 1), the post-processing device is STK (= stacker 6 in FIG. 1), and the processing time is 5 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively. is there. Since JOB1 was started at 11:29, the scheduled start time of JOB2 is 11:34.

  Next, the sheet feeding device to be used is the sheet feeding device 2 (= POD1) and the inserter 5 (= INS), the post-processing device is the stacker 6 (= STK), and the job JOB3, which is a new arrival job 701 with a processing time of 5 minutes. It is assumed that the data is received from the external device 306. At this time, if the sheet feeding device and the post-processing device are in the state described with reference to FIG. 9, it can be seen that the inserter 5 (INS) is in a stopped state and the preparation operation takes 20 minutes.

  On the other hand, the scheduled start time of JOB3 calculated from the scheduled start time of JOB2 and the processing time is 11:44, but since the preparation operation of the inserter 5 takes time, the scheduled start time of JOB3 is the current time 11:30. It becomes 11:50 which added 20 minutes to the minute. As a result, the job list 700 updated by adding JOB3 is updated as a job list 702 shown in FIG.

  Here, the sheet feeder to be used is the sheet feeder 2 (= POD1), the post-processing apparatus is the stacker 6 (= STK), and JOB4, which is a new arrival job 703 for 5 minutes, is received from the external apparatus 306. And At this time, when this JOB4 is executed after JOB3, it is updated as shown in the job list 704a shown in FIG. 11E, and the scheduled start time of JOB4 becomes 12:00.

  On the other hand, when the job order is changed and JOB4 is executed before JOB3, the job list 704b shown in FIG. 11F is updated, and JOB3 can be executed without changing the scheduled start time of JOB3. is there. Therefore, in such a case, an operation of exchanging the schedules of JOB3 and JOB4 is performed.

  On the other hand, when the processing time of JOB4 is, for example, 30 minutes, if the jobs of JOB3 and JOB4 are replaced, the scheduled start time of JOB3 is delayed as compared with the case where the scheduled start time of JOB3 is not replaced, so that the job is not replaced. The processing that does not replace the job when the scheduled start time becomes late may be switched to the replacement processing.

  Next, the operation at the time of the power OFF request will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a job list for explaining the operation when a power OFF request is made.

  In FIG. 12, it is assumed that the job spool status at a certain time is the status shown in the job list 705. At this time, for example, when a power-off request is received from the inserter 5, the job-off request is put on hold because JOB 3 is a job scheduled to use the inserter 5. When the job 3 is completed, the job list is referred to again, and a power-off request permission is transmitted to the inserter 5 when a job that is scheduled to use the inserter 5 has not been added.

  According to the above embodiment, the paper feed stage ID 403 and the paper discharge destination ID 404 in the print job received from the external device 306 are analyzed to determine the paper feed device / paper discharge device 305 to be used when executing the print job. In step S504, the determined state of the paper feeding device / paper discharge device 305 is checked, and the paper feeding device / paper delivery device 305 to which the preparatory operation should be started in advance is determined before executing the print job (step S507). Since the prepared paper feeding device / paper delivery device 305 is started in preparation for the start of execution of the print job (steps S508 and S509), the paper feeding device is optimally suited for execution of the print job. In addition, the post-processing device can be put into an operable state, improving the productivity and operating rate of the image forming apparatus and saving energy. It can be current.

  An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus as a storage medium. This can also be achieved by reading and executing the stored program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD. -RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. This includes the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing electrical connection between the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the inserter 5 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control circuit necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure of a print job. 4 is a flowchart illustrating job control processing by a job control unit 301 and a memory controller 309. 4 is a flowchart illustrating job control processing by a job control unit 301 and a memory controller 309. 4 is a flowchart showing print control processing by a print control unit 302 in FIG. 3. It is a flowchart which shows the ACC process implemented in step S805 of FIG. 7, and S808. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an information list of a sheet feeding device and the like included in a print control unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a job list. It is a figure explaining an example of the scheduling performed by step S510 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the job list for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of a power supply OFF request | requirement. It is a figure explaining the output form of the print bundle by a case binding unit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus main body 2, 3, 4 Paper feeder 5 Inserter 6 Stacker 7 Finisher 42 Case binding unit P Sheet material

Claims (15)

Including at least one sheet feeding means for supplying a sheet material, an image forming means for executing a print job on the supplied sheet material to form an image, and bookbinding for the image-formed sheet material In an image forming apparatus comprising at least one post-processing unit that performs post-processing and a receiving unit that receives the print job,
A determination unit that analyzes the received print job and determines the paper feeding unit and the post-processing unit to be used when executing the print job;
A determination unit that examines the determined states of the sheet feeding unit and the post-processing unit and determines a sheet feeding unit and a post-processing unit that should start a preparatory operation in advance before the execution of the print job;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that causes the determined sheet feeding unit and post-processing unit to start a preparation operation in time for the start of execution of the print job. First calculation means for calculating a processing time required to execute the print job based on the received print job and the processing capability of the image forming means;
Second calculation means for calculating a scheduled start time of the print job based on the calculated processing time and the time required for the determined feeding operation of the paper feeding means and post-processing means;
Storage means for storing the calculated processing time and scheduled start time together with the received print job;
A print control unit that sequentially reads out the stored print job according to the scheduled start time and causes the image forming unit to perform image formation;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the determined sheet feeding unit and post-processing unit to start a preparation operation in time for the scheduled start time.   When the control unit sequentially reads the stored print job according to the scheduled start time and causes the image forming unit to form an image, the determined preparatory operation of the paper feeding unit and the post-processing unit is performed at the scheduled time. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when it is determined that the time is not in time, a subsequent print job is executed first.   If the control unit executes the subsequent print job first, and the completion of the image forming operation of the print job is later than when the subsequent print job is not executed first, the control unit first executes the subsequent print job. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein image formation of the print job is executed after completion of the preparatory operation of the determined sheet feeding unit and post-processing unit without executing.   The control means generates an instruction to individually turn on or off the power supply of the paper feeding means and the post-processing means, and in order to start the preparatory operation of the determined paper feeding means and post-processing means, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a power-on instruction is generated. The paper feeding means and the post-processing means each have request means for requesting the control means for switching permission when the state of the power source is switched,
When the control unit receives a switching permission request from the requesting unit, when the sheet feeding unit or the post-processing unit that requests the switching permission is necessary for executing the print job stored in the storage unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the request is not accepted.   When the control unit does not accept the switching permission request from the request unit, the control unit stores the switching permission request in the storage unit, and prints the print job using the paper feeding unit or the post-processing unit that has requested the switching permission. 7. The image according to claim 6, wherein when the execution is completed, the stored switching permission request is read, and the power of the paper feeding means or the post-processing means that requested the switching permission is turned off by the switch means. Forming equipment. Including at least one sheet feeding means for supplying a sheet material, an image forming means for executing a print job on the supplied sheet material to form an image, and bookbinding for the image-formed sheet material In a control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: at least one post-processing unit that performs post-processing; and a receiving unit that receives the print job.
Analyzing the received print job and determining the paper feed means and the post-processing means used when executing the print job;
A determination step of checking the determined states of the paper feeding means and the post-processing means, and discriminating a paper feeding means and a post-processing means to start a preparatory operation in advance before execution of the print job;
A control step of causing the determined sheet feeding means and post-processing means to start a preparatory operation in time for the start of execution of the print job. Based on the received print job and the processing capability of the image forming means, a processing time required to execute the print job is calculated, and the calculated processing time and the determined paper feeding means and post-processing means are calculated. A calculation step of calculating a scheduled start time of the print job based on a time required for the preparation operation of
A storage step of storing the calculated processing time and estimated start time in a storage unit together with the received print job;
A print control step of sequentially reading out the stored print job according to the scheduled start time and causing the image forming unit to perform image formation;
9. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control step causes the determined sheet feeding unit and post-processing unit to start a preparation operation in time for the scheduled start time.   In the control step, when the stored print job is sequentially read out in accordance with the scheduled start time and the image forming unit forms an image, the determined preparatory operation of the sheet feeding unit and the post-processing unit is performed at the scheduled time. 10. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when it is determined that the time is not in time, a subsequent print job is executed first.   In the control step, when the subsequent print job is executed first, and the completion of the image forming operation of the print job is later than when the subsequent print job is not executed first, the subsequent print job is executed first. 11. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein image formation of the print job is executed after completion of the preparation operation of the determined sheet feeding unit and post-processing unit without executing.   The control step includes a generation step for generating an instruction to individually turn on or off the power supply of the paper feed unit and the post-processing unit, and starts a preparatory operation of the determined paper feed unit and post-processing unit. 12. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein generation of a power-on instruction is controlled.   In the control step, when the power supply switching permission request is received from the paper feeding means or the post-processing means, the paper feeding means or post-processing means that requested the switching permission is a print job stored in the storage means. 13. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the request is not accepted when it is necessary to execute the operation.   When the control step does not accept the switching permission request, the control step stores the switching permission request in the storage unit, and the execution of the print job using the sheet feeding unit or the post-processing unit that requested the switching permission is completed. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the stored switching permission request is read out, and the power source of the paper feeding means or the post-processing means that has requested the switching permission is turned off in the switch step. Control method. Including at least one sheet feeding means for supplying a sheet material, an image forming means for executing a print job on the supplied sheet material to form an image, and bookbinding for the image-formed sheet material In a program for causing a computer to execute a control method of an image forming apparatus including at least one post-processing unit that performs post-processing and a receiving unit that receives the print job.
A determination module that analyzes the received print job and determines the paper feeding means and the post-processing means used when executing the print job;
A determination module that examines the states of the determined sheet feeding unit and post-processing unit and determines a sheet feeding unit and a post-processing unit that should start a preparatory operation in advance before execution of the print job;
And a control module that causes the discriminating paper feeding means and post-processing means to start a preparation operation in time for the start of execution of the print job.

Images